Transforming growth factor β1 and extracellular matrix protease expression in the uterosacral ligaments of patients with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), key regulators of the extracellular matrix composition, in the uterosacral ligaments (USLs) of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) compared with controls.

METHODS

Under an institutional review board approval, USL samples were obtained from women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for stage 2 or greater POP (cases, n = 21) and from women without POP undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications (controls, n = 19). Hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome staining were performed on the USL sections, and the distribution of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue were quantified. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-TGF-β1 and anti-MMP-9 antibodies. The expressions of TGF-β1 and MMP-9 were evaluated by the pathologist, who was blinded to all clinical data.

RESULTS

Transforming growth factor β1 expression positively correlated with MMP-9 expression (R = 0.4, P = 0.01). The expressions of TGF-β1 and MMP-9 were similar in subjects with POP versus controls. There was a significant increase in fibrous tissue (P = 0.008) and a corresponding decrease in smooth muscle (P = 0.03), associated with increasing age. The TGF-β1 expression, but not MMP-9 expression, also significantly increased with age (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Although our study uncovered age-related alterations in USL composition and TGF-β1 expression, there was no difference in the expression of TGF-β1 or MMP-9 in the subjects with POP versus controls.